I rarely have problems when I am pulled over by officers.

Of course, I am a big white male who is well-spoken and sincerely polite to officers following up on possible traffic violations.

I was much less friendly when I got shaken down after (apparently) jaywalking. It's pretty telling when the experience goes in three steps, roughly:

1) cop demands ID without any real prelude to do so
2) cop doesn't seem to mind keys, knife, and change in one pocket during frisk, but gets really worried about plastic bag in other pocket
3) cop just pulls wallet out of my back pocket during frisk

Tarqu1n

Victoria, BC

February 2005

OCT 27, 2008 07:09 AM

These are very long but very, very instructional. The two videos are:

1) A Lawyer explains why you should never, ever say anything to a police officer and ask for your lawyer.

2) The second is a policeman agreeing with the lawyer and explaining a lot of all the verbal tricks he uses to fool people into compromising themselves.

Sorry that I can't embed the second one but it is an old Google video rather than a Youtube video: Cop answering the question.

GrayRains

Twin Lake, MI

January 2008

OCT 27, 2008 07:10 AM

Wow...

How many other videos are there like this? I'm looking at becoming a State Trooper back in Michigan, and watching videos like this will be a good refresher on how NOT to be a cop.

If I ever pull some crap like this for whatever reason, I'll resign.

going to have to watch that lawyer one during lunch, EEK! 27 minutes long, I just finished eating and still have to shower before formation at 0900.

Twelve

Bay City, MI

April 2007

OCT 27, 2008 07:12 AM

Two out of three times I've been pulled over the cop was totally cool about it.

lubricatedgoat

I'm lost

May 2004

OCT 27, 2008 08:20 AM

this is how you handle a cop........ on a sillier note, of course.

Salome

SUICIDEGIRL

Illinois, USA

OCT 27, 2008 08:33 AM

I used to work for a law firm that did nothing but represent victims of police brutality and other police misconduct.

The golden rule when dealing with the police? Shut the fuck up. If you have even the slightest suspicion that you may be accused of something, never open your mouth without talking to a lawyer first.

The other golden rule: Don't get into a pissing contest with a cop, because the cop will win. In my experience at the firm, the most frequent way an innocent person would get their ass beat was because they were *aggressive* while asserting their rights (and sometimes they mistakenly think something is a right when it isn't). For example, a cop may pull you over when you know you have done nothing wrong, but don't get out of the car and scream at the officer that he's violating your rights, because he may have information you don't, such as that an Amber Alert was just issued for a car of your car's make and color. If you're innocent, then there's no need to get in a cop's face or be hysterical - or do something stupid like drive off without first saying something like "I'm done answering questions, am I free to leave now, officer?"

For anyone interested, Nolo's Criminal Law Handbook is a great and easy-to read primer on your rights through questioning by the police all the way through the criminal system.

Mark_plus_Beer

United Kingdom

August 2005

OCT 27, 2008 08:35 AM

i loved watching those lawyer videos

Marigold

SUICIDEGIRL

Spain

OCT 27, 2008 08:43 AM

Tarqu1n said:

Sorry that I can't embed the second one but it is an old Google video rather than a Youtube video: Cop answering the question.

actually, it's the first link under "related videos" aptly called "Don't Talk to Cops, Part 2"

RudieCantFail

I'm lost

January 2006

OCT 27, 2008 08:45 AM

X_Racer_X

Philadelphia, PA

July 2008

OCT 27, 2008 08:54 AM

probable cause ?...hahahah! all that cop needed to see was a Bic -pen (possible weapon) and there goes your probable cause..

Quirky

Birmingham, AL

October 2005

OCT 27, 2008 08:59 AM

Tarqu1n said:

These are very long but very, very instructional. The two videos are:

1) A Lawyer explains why you should never, ever say anything to a police officer and ask for your lawyer.

2) The second is a policeman agreeing with the lawyer and explaining a lot of all the verbal tricks he uses to fool people into compromising themselves.

Sorry that I can't embed the second one but it is an old Google video rather than a Youtube video: Cop answering the question.

Hell yeah. That makes me want to go to Law School.

StarBelliedBoy

Philadelphia, PA

December 2003

OCT 27, 2008 09:40 AM

They should retitle this to "How to keep cops from getting at your contraband" so the people who need it can find it more readily.

Quirky

Birmingham, AL

October 2005

OCT 27, 2008 09:53 AM

StarBelliedBoy said:
They should retitle this to "How to keep cops from getting at your contraband" so the people who need it can find it more readily.

I really hope you're never on a jury with an attitude like that.

Heigai

Columbus, OH

May 2004

OCT 27, 2008 09:57 AM

MisterInactive said:

StarBelliedBoy said:
They should retitle this to "How to keep cops from getting at your contraband" so the people who need it can find it more readily.

I really hope you're never on a jury with an attitude like that.

That's a weird jump to make. Maybe he has contraband he doesn't want cops getting to. Don't assume.